Pupils at a primary school in North Yorkshire are being given the chance to improve their wellbeing while also enjoying activities with each other after their playground has been transformed.
The outside play area for children in Reception and Year 1 at Masham Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School has undergone a revamp replacing an “old and tired” area into a new and exciting space for the youngsters to enjoy.
The makeover began just before Christmas last year and now boasts a large, surfaced space for the younger children of all abilities to have fun, explore, develop their physical strength and learn as part of the curriculum.
The playground has also seen a wooden canopy introduced to provide shelter for outdoor learning in all weathers and encouraging imaginative play.
And already pupils are making the most of their playtimes by using trunks, bark, boxes, wooden toys, tyres, water and different structures to help them learn balance, jumping and landing, as well as encouraging a variety of learning and improving their social skills.
Our executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Learning opportunities for our younger children should never be underestimated.
“It is delightful to see the smiles on the children’s faces enjoying this new and exciting outside space. It is important that children in early years have the freedom and opportunities to play, learn, make friendships and most of all have fun.”
The school’s executive headteacher, Jonny Davies, said the pupils now have daily opportunities to play and finetune their motor skills as well as benefitting from a stimulating active learning environment.
Mr Davies said: “The children absolutely love the new outdoor space, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in creating this wonderful play area.
“Masham is a school with an exciting new curriculum and ambitious plans for the future to ensure the school goes from strength-to-strength.
“This particular project has been popular with staff, pupils and parents as everyone appreciates how important this space is for children to get off to the best possible start to their education.”
He added: “The previous area was tired, outdated and in disrepair. The surface was asphalt, whereas the new surfaces are artificial grass and much more suitable for young children to play.
“This space is not only supporting the children’s learning but encouraging them to enliven their imagination, learn social skills and improve their physical confidence.”